Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has revealed that striker Keinan Davis was bed ridden for the club’s clash against Derby on Saturday.

The teenage forward has been a regular for the club this season as a result of their attacking injury crisis, which left the 19-year-old as Bruce’s only option up top, but was missing as the Villans suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Rams.

Andreas Weimann, a former Villa star, and Johnnie Russell netted the goals which handed Bruce and his men their first loss in six games, and the manager revealed that he was unable to call upon Davis as he was stuck in bed as a result of a serious illness.

Stepping into the squad in place of the 19-year-old was midfielder Jack Grealish, who impressed his boss despite the eventual result.

The 22-year-old spent three months out with a kidney injury earlier this season, and was making his first start of the season, with Bruce revealing he is hoping to reintroduce him to the side full time, admitting that he has to find the right balance to his line up.

Bruce told the Express here and here: “We spoke to him (Davis) this morning and he was so sick he couldn’t get out of bed. It’s a shame, but these things happen.

“We know what he (Grealish) capable of and he’s had a good impact off the bench in previous games.

“He’s played very well today. We’ve got to find him a position in this team that suits him while keeping the balance too.”

Davis has already made 19 league appearances for the club this season, netting twice, while Grealish has just six Championship outings to his name after starting at Pride Park.